Nintendo's first full-3D console is known for a few things in particular—majestic platformers, addictive multiplayer, and a rather strange controller. Less appreciated, however, is the N64's lineup of well-illustrated game carts and boxes; many of which don't quite reflect the quality of the games housed inside them.
Like the game's visuals themselves, great cover art can serve as a window into the game's atmosphere and style, while enticing players to dive into the virtual world beyond. They can also spur the imagination to the point of eclipsing the game itself. As is the case for any console, this is met with varying degrees of success on the N64. However, despite having a relatively slim library, there are plenty of games with awesome cover art on the console—even when it comes to spottier and more obscure titles. If nothing else, they make for great collectibles.
8 Top Gear Rally
Produced by now-defunct Boss Game Studios, this overlooked arcade racer pits drivers on various street and off-road maps, with a slew of unique custom cars. Its muddled, blocky visuals, barren landscapes, and spotty gameplay may seem a tad dated to modern eyes. However, Top Gear Rally was somewhat ahead of its time in some respects, with deep, quasi-open tracks, dynamic weather, and a smooth frame rate to boot.
The artwork certainly does its job in gripping players right out of the gate. Designed by North American box artist Peter Bollinger, the cover prominently displays a sleek, impressively-detailed racecar model in action. This is complemented by colorful, visually-interesting text. These elements all paint the picture of a thrilling, chaotic ride.
7 Spacestation Silicon Valley
While bogged down by bare locales, simple puzzles, strange themes, and a wonky camera, Spacestation Silicon Valley is otherwise a fun and fresh platformer. It didn't help that it was overshadowed by similar, more prominent efforts like Super Mario 64 and Rareware's slew of 3D platformers.
The colorful cover art entices the player and properly portrays the inventive, whimsical nature of the game. The vibe feels akin to an imaginative Pixar romp or kid-friendly sci-fi film that never was.
6 Vigilante 8
As hits like Twisted Metal illustrate, vehicular combat can make a solid foundation for truly exhilarating multiplayer bouts. That is what Luxoflux and Activision seek to establish with this arcade driving romp, which offers mindless fun despite some rough patches. Players rampage across different US locales rife with rugged terrain; and interactive bits that include ballistic missiles. This only adds to the chaos, as players are encouraged to fire at opponents with a handful of weapons ranging from mines to mortars.
Sure, the cinematic, visually compelling cover art may overhype Vigilante 8's detail and quality somewhat. Even so, the adrenaline-fueled pacing and carnage of the game are well-represented in this cover.
5 Bomberman 64
As iconic as this explosive multiplayer series has been, Hudson Soft's Bomberman has produced some duds and rather overlooked bouts. This can describe his rendition on N64, which was met with a lukewarm reception, thanks to clunky multiplayer that gets bogged down by its 3D perspective. Inventive features like the ability to build towers strengthen the game's solo mode, but many have panned Bomberman 64 for its uncharacteristic lack of multiplayer charm.
The cover art succeeds quite a bit more in adhering to the franchise's appealing roots. Drawing from the bold, colorful sensibilities of Greg Martin's Super Bomberman, the cover adds some (literal) depth while highlighting the game's awesome heroes. The design conveys a vibe akin to a delightful Saturday morning cartoon.
4 Aidyn Chronicles: The First Mage
The N64 made a name for itself as a multiplayer and platforming monster; though largely at the expense of role-playing games. However, late in the console's lifespan, H20 Entertainment ventured out to break the mold and captivate gamers with this 3D fantasy adventure. Though it largely fell short by way of slow-paced, tedious gameplay, Aidyn Chronicles proves a uniquely creative effort.
This is illustrated by the majestic, atmospheric cover art, which spurs the imagination and reminds one of an epic fantasy novel. The graceful strokes of the sketching and rich detail invoke the feel of a wondrous odyssey; traits the game itself didn't quite live up to.
3 Star Wars Rogue Squadron
Like the fantastical film franchise on which they are based, Star Wars games have seen their share of highs and lows in their rich history. Despite this action-flight game shining on the technical and gameplay front, Rogue Squadron fell under the radar; overshadowed by N64 juggernauts and more notable Star Wars romps. It didn't help that the game didn't include multiplayer, which would arguably have fit the arcade-style formula like a glove.
However, the cover, which was clearly inspired by the lavish work of film concept artist Ralph McQuarrie, does the franchise proud. It emphatically displays the thrilling and inspired traits of Lucas' space fantasy, inviting players to take a wild ride in a virtual TIE fighter.
2 Mystical Ninja 2 Starring Goemon
Goemon's Great Adventure, known as Mystical Ninja 2 Starring Goemon in Europe, is a 2.5D continuation of the obscure IP from Konami. In an effort to make the experience more accessible, this game mixes up the formula with a swifter pacing and vibrant sidescrolling stages. Despite these improvements, this sequel proved limited in terms of its reach with straightforward gameplay, odd themes, and a particularly Japanese sense of humor.
This is portrayed in the compelling cover art, which captures the finer qualities of this surreal journey. Complemented by a bold, stylistic title—the cover prominently features the diverse, colorful cast in action.
1 Rampage 2: Universal Tour
In their heyday, Midway Games stood out for their charming 90s arcade romps, often coupled with epic cover art that encapsulates this vibe. But while this satisfying, destructive monster mash once proved a great draw for the studio, this 64-bit sequel fell flat. Universal Tour adheres to the fun formula of wreaking havoc on cities and smashing buildings, but does little to break the monotony—or break new ground.
The game's cover art paints a rosier, more captivating picture. The star monsters, which loom emphatically over a combusting globe, capture Rampage's thrilling concepts to the nth degree. The detailed-yet-cartoony imagery meshes nicely with the series as a whole, invoking the feel of a fun fantasy-action flick.